The trees twinkle with lights, Mariah Carey’s festive tunes serenade the courtyards and shops around the Our Kaka‘ako neighborhood, and Shaka Santa and Tutu Mele have moved in next door at Honolulu Hale: The Kau Kalikimaka (Christmas season) has officially arrived in Hawai‘i!
From supporting local businesses to indulging in unique holiday events and savoring the joyful spirit, our nine-block community has a variety of experiences for you to take advantage of this season. So, take out your wishlist and add these nine Our Kakaʻako Kalikimaka (Christmas) experiences to the top!

#1 • For the ‘Ohana – Young and Old
Create cherished memories with your ‘ohana through a variety of family-friendly activities. From an abundance of activities and keiki-friendly eateries to an Instagrammable photo-op, Our Kakaʻako offers something for every generation. What’s our top pick for family-fun this Kau Kalikimaka (Christmas season) in Our Kaka‘ako? Donning new matching ‘ohana outfits from Kahala, of course! Head over to the home of the original aloha shirt to find your ‘ohana style before snapping this year’s lā nui (holiday) photos in front of the lighted ALOHA sign in the Barn. The lighted letters will be in the Barn from Friday, December 15th through Thursday, December 21st. Tie a bow around your perfect day out with a festive feast at Highway Inn, a multigenerational legacy restaurant with a bright and open location at Six Eighty. Share plates of traditional Hawaiian food and get a glimpse of a 75 year old lau lau recipe in action when the experts make each one by hand.

#2 • For the Millennial Dog Mom
(or Dad, Aunty, and Uncle too!)
Our Kakaʻako isn’t just for human-only ‘ohanas! Bring your furry (or feathered) friends along for the walk to explore pet-friendly places and events in the neighborhood. Let your bestie roam while you take in the sights of Hawaiʻi Walls, only stopping for sniffs and the occasional snap of your pup in front of your favorite mural. Treat yourself and your good boys and girls to locally-inspired flavors at 7Gradi Gelato & Croffle and make your way over to the Kalokoʻeli Courtyard in front of The Flats at Pu‘unui and H Mart to relax in a shady park. Once everyone is rested, grab an outdoor table at Ya-Ya’s Chophouse & Seafood for a doggie date. Your pup’s big day out will be a pawliday to dream about.

#3 • For the Art Aficionado
Immerse yourself in the vibrant art scene of Our Kakaʻako. Get inspired while digging for local art prints and pareos at Urban Island Society and discover captivating murals created by local and international street artists that adorn the streets. Let your own creative spirit soar at Treehouse Analog Selects, where you can print that special roll you shot on film from a festive fiesta. Take your art to the next level by printing your next masterpiece at Ki‘ikau Printers, a wāhine and native Hawaiian-owned print studio that specializes in fine art and costume product printing.
[Featured image: Urban Island Society]

#4 • For the Mele Maven
Immerse yourself in the rhythm of live acoustic at Moku Kitchen, a relaxed and inviting gathering spot where talented musicians accompany your meal and sunset views with soulful melodies. For a late-night spin around the dance floor, let the mele take you to a longstanding neighborhood hotspot, Bevy.
If you’re more inclined to indulge in a midday musical experience, then Hungry Ears Records is your beat. A treasure trove for music enthusiasts, where you can curate your perfect lā nui (holiday) mixtape while exploring their extensive collection of Hawaiian vinyl records.
[Featured image: Hungry Ears Records]

#5 • For the Gourmet Guru
Whether you’re looking for your contribution to the holiday potluck or want to take advantage of the outdoor tables and chairs sprinkled around Our Kaka‘ako, take-out meals are easy to come by. Take your pick of poke, bentos and trays of barbecue-ready marinated meats from Hibachi Grill, gourmet sandwiches from E.A.R.L., mouth-watering Southern barbecue from Sunset Texas BBQ, and a smorgasbord of flavors on offer at H Mart’s second floor.
If you’re looking to spend the night feasting away at a sit-down spot, 1938 Indochine serves up Southeast Asian-meets-France fare, while Bar Maze (from the James Beard award-winning team behind Bar Leather Apron) transports guests to an intimate eatery in Tokyo for a multi-course omakase experience. Still hungry? End your tasty tour at the hidden warehouse at One-2Buy, where you can stock up on midnight snacks from Asia.
[Featured image: E.A.R.L.]

#6 • For the Party-Going Preppers
Get ready with us: Our Kaka‘ako Kalikimaka (Christmas) style. When the invitations start rolling in, be sure to have your festive look ready. First stop: take a self-care moment at Spa U‘ilani by booking yourself for a massage and facial. From there, you’re ready for glam. From the perfect nails at Kaka‘ako Nail Salon to femme fatale lashes at Lash Love to a bombshell blowout at Drybar, you’ll be a stand-out guest this season!
[Featured image: Drybar]

#7 • For the Blissfully-Balanced Being
Caring for your mind, body, and soul during this busy season is important. Mindfully pick your positive pleasure when selecting your next healthy habit in Our Kakaʻako. This active and bustling neighborhood offers targeted barre workouts at Sweat + Soul, an MMA-inspired gym experience at UFC Gym Honolulu, a weekly community-created Kaka‘ako Run Club and fast-paced heart rate-based interval training at Orangetheory, where you can also pick up Good Clean Food Hawai‘i (a weekly local healthy meal plan).
If you are looking for that post-workout quick fix, head to Down to Earth and Lanikai Juice to help you find balance and stay grounded amidst the holiday rush (and feasting).
[Featured image: Sweat + Soul]

#8 • For the Our Kakaʻako Crew
Gather your friends and loved ones to explore the best group gathering spots of Our Kakaʻako together. Start your adventure by sharpening your aim during a friendly ax-throwing tournament at Blade & Timber. Once your arms are successfully sore, stroll down to The Boiling Crab for a cracking good dinner where you can all, once again, feast your eyes on flying objects (see: saucy crab shells). End your outing at Honolulu Beerworks for a casually competitive Tuesday trivia night.
[Featured image: Blade & Timber]

#9 • For the Joyful Giver
Find clothing, swimwear, accessories, surf and sea gear, home and body scents, stocking stuffers, vintage finds and more when you’re shopping to spread joy. Here the Shop, Stoke House and Honolulu Pawn, a pop-up shop by World Champion Longboarder Kelia Moniz and renowned artist Joe Termini, are only a handful of the stylish boutiques around Our Kaka‘ako. Support the local community by stocking up on pennants, prints and pint-size presents from Hawai‘i-based creators and artists at Milo! With so many amazing shops and restaurants to choose from, there’s something for everyone on your “nice” list!
[Featured image: Honolulu Pawn]
Experience the vibrant community, support local businesses,
and immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere that sets Our Kakaʻako apart.
Check out our Directory to help you plan your lā nui (holiday) adventure.
Happy Holidays!
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